Ghent, Belgium

Chef Michael Vrijmoed's eponymous restaurant holds a Michelin star and delivers creative, vegetable-forward cuisine that surprises and delights with every course. The intimate dining room feels like a dinner party hosted by a brilliant friend who happens to be a culinary genius. Each dish tells a quiet story of seasonal Belgian produce handled with extraordinary care and imagination.

Inside a breathtaking converted 19th-century warehouse, Pakhuis serves classic Belgian brasserie fare beneath soaring iron rafters and warm amber lighting. The moules-frites and steak tartare are local legends, paired perfectly with a crisp regional Belgian ale. The buzzing, convivial atmosphere makes it equally perfect for a romantic dinner or a long, leisurely lunch with friends.

Roots is a celebrated farm-to-table restaurant where hyper-local ingredients from nearby Flemish farms shine in beautifully composed, unfussy dishes. The open kitchen lets you watch chefs work with quiet confidence, turning humble vegetables and heritage meats into something genuinely moving. Warm wooden interiors and genuinely passionate service make every meal here feel deeply nourishing.

Ghent's only city-center brewery, Gruut brews its distinctive ales using herbs rather than hops, a tradition dating back to medieval times. The cozy restaurant pairs hearty Flemish stews, cheese boards, and rustic dishes perfectly with their amber, white, and brown ales. Brewery tours are available, giving you a fascinating peek into this wonderfully quirky piece of living Ghent heritage.

Perched along the scenic Korenlei canal, the Ghent Marriott blends historic architecture with modern luxury in the heart of the medieval city. Rooms feature plush bedding and large windows framing stunning waterfront views that glow golden at dusk. The attentive staff and rooftop terrace make every stay feel genuinely special and memorable.

Housed in a magnificently restored neo-Gothic post office building, 1898 The Post is one of Belgium's most atmospheric luxury hotels. Original stone archways and ornate ironwork contrast beautifully with contemporary furnishings and a world-class whisky bar downstairs. Guests wake to church bells and cobblestones just outside their elegant, carefully appointed rooms.

Set within an 18th-century patrician mansion, Reylof offers a serene garden courtyard that feels worlds away from the city bustle just beyond its walls. Rooms are elegantly decorated with warm fabrics and antique touches that honor the building's storied past. The wellness spa and intimate bar create a cozy retreat after long days of exploring Ghent's rich streets.

For budget-conscious travelers, Camping Blaarmeersen sits beside a lovely recreational lake just a short cycle from Ghent's historic center. Well-maintained facilities, friendly staff, and a lively outdoor atmosphere make this a surprisingly charming base for exploring the city. Wake up to birdsong and fresh air before hopping on your bike toward the medieval towers downtown.

Rising dramatically from the city like something from a fairy tale, Gravensteen is a remarkably preserved medieval fortress built by the Count of Flanders in 1180. Wander through stone towers, a moat, and dungeon chambers that housed a harrowing collection of torture instruments now displayed inside. The rooftop view over Ghent's canal network and golden spires is absolutely unforgettable.

St. Bavo's Cathedral shelters one of the greatest masterpieces in Western art history — the Ghent Altarpiece, painted by Jan and Hubert van Eyck in 1432. Recently restored to breathtaking brilliance, the polyptych's luminous panels reveal astonishing detail that rewards long, quiet contemplation up close. The cathedral itself is a Gothic marvel of soaring arches, carved chapels, and centuries of accumulated spiritual beauty.

SMAK is Belgium's leading contemporary art museum, housing a provocative and constantly evolving collection that challenges, amuses, and inspires in equal measure. Works by Joseph Beuys, Francis Bacon, and homegrown Belgian artists fill its spacious, light-filled galleries with ideas that linger long after you leave. The museum's adventurous curatorial vision makes it a must for anyone curious about where art is heading next.

The twin medieval quays of Graslei and Korenlei form Ghent's most iconic and romantic streetscape, lined with magnificently preserved guild houses dating back to the 12th century. Strolling here at golden hour, with the canal reflecting the warm stone facades, is one of the most beautiful experiences Belgium offers any visitor. Grab a local beer from a nearby terrace and simply sit, watch the boats drift by, and let Ghent's quiet magic wash over you.